Olaplex acquires Purvala to Power Biotech-Led R&D

Olaplex has bought Boston-based biotech Purvala Bioscience, the brand’s first acquisition since launch in 2014. Announced on 26 August 2025, the deal signals a sharper push into lab-driven ingredients and next-gen formulations. Terms were not disclosed.

Purvala, founded in 2020 by Dr Bradley Olsen and colleagues, develops high-performing molecules inspired by biological structures, with work spanning proteins, peptides and lipids. Olsen also serves as Professor of Chemical Engineering at MIT.

Olaplex says the acquisition will sit alongside its proprietary bond-building chemistry, with CEO Amanda Baldwin highlighting a pipeline aimed at “disruptive science-backed product innovation.”

Prestige haircare is leaning into biotech for visible results and defensible IP. Bringing a research lab in-house strengthens Olaplex’s ability to formulate faster, defend claims and compete with technology-first rivals. Watch for ingredient-led launches that build on bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate rather than replace it.